Cool Ways to Help :)

Just thought I would share these websites in case anyone is looking for great ways to give. :)

 

#1. Kiva

Kiva is so cool!! Basically, you lend money (INTEREST FREE) to people in 3rd world countries who are trying to start/run their own businesses and/or establish their homes. Kiva has pictures and individual stories for each person or group that is looking to receive the loan. Chris and I saw a newscast based on this website and they talked with some of the people who are seeking the loans. They all said that while they do want help - they want to be able to pay helpers back for the aide they receive. They said that it's so much better than getting a hand out because they can work for it and feel like they have earned what they receive and not like they are a burden to others.

You don't even have to give a lot - there are multiple lenders helping each person/group so even $20 goes a long way - especially considering that some of the loans are only for a few hundred dollars total.

I just think this is the coolest. Not only do you get to give to others but you get to help encourage a business or personal dream! :) Great idea!

Since it is a loan, you do get your investment back eventually, so if you want - you can keep turning right around and putting it back into the Kiva program.

#2. Compassion International

Most people have heard of Compassion International, but just in case you haven't... ;)

Through CI you can "sponser" individual children with a monthly fee. It's $32 a month and SO worth it. You get to write letters back and forth with your child and its so sweet! Chris and I sponser Gorle from India. He is 7 and he writes us letters and draws us the cutest pictures. Compassion provides you with information about the child and their family and you can also give monetary gifts to the family a couple of times a year around holidays or birthdays, etc. (They ask that you not do it too often because other sponsored children don't always receive them.)

Here's a tip - if you decide to sponser a child - there is a list of children who have been waiting for 6 months or more for a sponsor...START THERE!!! You couldn't possibly look at one of them and NOT sponsor one!

 #3. Heifer International

This is another really cool opportunity. My grandma does this in the names of each of her grandchildren every christmas. H.I. has lots of different outlets but the basic idea is that you purchase animals, etc. that will help families in need to survive continually. You can give from a big list ranging from chicks to sheep to bees to water buffalos and even trees and plants.

The coolest part: The families who receive a gift agree to donate offspring/seeds from their livestock/plants to other families who need help! So your gift keeps on giving and giving!! :)

Some of these animals are more expensive but you can also choose to pay a "share" of the cost of each gift.

#4. Universal Giving

Universal Giving is a really cool site. They exist to simplify giving. :) They provide information on lots and lots of charities and help connect you with whatever type of giving you are interested in AND - they don't even take a cut from your gift, it ALL goes to the charity of your choice! Pretty cool!

These opportunities are all so great and unique. They make me excited. :) Hopefully some of them were new to you guys and maybe something you would be interested in being involved in.